Catherine “Cathy” Jane Gheen Blewett of Mesa, AZ, was born on May 3, 1947 in Indianapolis, IN to the late George and Mary Gheen. It is with saddened hearts we announce that Cathy passed away on Wednesday, August 19th.
Cathy lived in Indianapolis throughout her childhood, graduating from Bishop Chatard High School. She attended Purdue University (Class of 1969) earning her degree in Early Childhood Education. While at Purdue, she met Jay Blewett, with whom she celebrated almost 51 years of marriage. Throughout their lives, Cathy and Jay (and their three children) lived around the country, which allowed Cathy, and her family, to explore the different histories, cultures, and areas of the country.
Cathy was an educator and director of several child learning centers across the country. She changed careers later in life to work as a professional management planner. Throughout her life, Cathy loved collecting and selling antiques, as well as sewing items for gifts and craft shows.
Music was a lifelong passion of Cathy’s. She was an accomplished pianist, organist, and vocalist. Cathy, a devoted Catholic, participated in music groups in church as a singer, accompanist, and cantor. She adored musicals and sharing her love for them with her family, particularly her children and grandchildren. She participated in several recreational choirs across the country, and often stepped up to fulfill board member roles.
Cathy enjoyed baking and decorating beautiful cakes for the special events of family and friends. Cathy loved reading, history, and traveling to visit family and exploring different parts of the country. She enjoyed tracking genealogy, for both her family, but also the family of her husband, Jay’s.
Cathy leaves behind to cherish her memory, her beloved husband, Jay, daughters Jennifer (Brendan), Karen (Joe), and son, Daniel (Heather). Her pride and joy were her grandchildren, Ryan, Morgan, and Sean Casey, and Anna and Aaron Blewett. Cathy is also survived by siblings, Susie Wininger, Bill Gheen, Dennis Gheen, and Patty Gheen Heisler, their families, including several nieces, nephews, as well as her mother-in-law, Jean Blewett.
In addition to her parents, Cathy was preceded in death by an infant brother, David Gheen.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Cathy’s honor to the The Guillain-Barre Syndrome/Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Foundation International: https://www.gbs-cidp.org